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longleaf woodoats

Scientific Name: Chasmanthium sessiliflorum

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Longleaf Woodoats (Chasmanthium sessiliflorum)

Longleaf Woodoats, scientifically known as Chasmanthium sessiliflorum, is a perennial grass admired for its shade tolerance and distinctive oat-like seed heads.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chasmanthium sessiliflorum (Poir.) Yates
  • Common Names: Longleaf Woodoats, Spike Woodoats, Indian Woodoats (sometimes used more broadly)
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Uniola sessiliflora
    • Chasmanthium laxum ssp. sessiliflorum
    • Chasmanthium laxum var. sessiliflorum
  • Plant Form: Graminoid

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southeastern United States.
  • Frequently found in moist hammocks and openings in woods where some light penetrates.
  • Observed in locations such as near Natchez, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A broad-leafed clumping perennial grass.
  • Forms tufted flowers along tall, wiry stems.
  • Grows in tufts from rhizomes to a height of 2 to 3 feet.
  • Mature seeds are black and approximately 1/10 inch long.
  • Forms a fountain-like shape.

Ecological Role

  • Can be found in loblolly pine forests, co-existing with species such as little bluestem, beaked panicgrass, and savanna panicgrass.
  • Host plant for the Common Wood-Nymph butterfly (Cercyonis pegala).

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chasmanthium sessiliflorum.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database also contains information and images.
  • Dave's Garden offers a community forum with tips and ideas for gardens.